Johannesburg 2010 WC Fan Guide

Johannesburg, also known as the city of gold, is easily the Big Apple of South Africa - there is nothing slow about this city, well except maybe the peak-hour traffic, the effects of being the most populous city in South Africa. If you're looking for a fast-paced, culturally-rich slice of SA life then this host city is the one for you. With attractions ranging from Constitutional Hill, the Apartheid Museum, to living legends such as Soweto, there is much to experience when it comes to the diverse past that has shapes this country into the powerhouse it is today.

Eat at one of the thousands of restaurants, see the fascinating art galleries or museums, go down into an unused mine, see sweeping views of the city from vantage points in and around the Westcliff, breathe in the newness of Sandton or dive into just about any pursuit –they’re all available in Mzansi’s biggest city. 

• Snapshot Johannesburg
• Ten interesting facts about Jozi
• 15 things you didn't know about Jozi
• Escape to the Vaal Dam
• A street by any other name

The Palazo Montecasino

The five star Palazzo Montecasino, is perfectly located in the upmarket suburb of Fourways, Sandton, North of Johannesburg and is easy accessible to all major highways, business hubs and 42km from O R Tambo International Airport.

Melrose Arch Hotel

The Melrose Arch Hotel has become a destination in its own right, attracting those who take pleasure in modern elegance and sophistication. 

• Day tripping: A tour through Soweto, one Johannesburg's oldest townships, is definitely an interesting way to spend an afternoon in this bustling city. A full-day tour includes shebeen stops, lunch and if you can handle it - a daring 'Soweto Towers Bunjee Jump'.

• Night owls: Cruise through cosmopolitan Melville’s hundreds of bars, restaurants, and weird places amongst creatives, students and a whole lot more. It’s cheap(ish), clean(ish) and no matter who you are, you’ll find a place that suits you.

• Eat at: Moyo Zoo Lake. Although this isn’t the original Moyo, it is one of the most popular restaurants in the city. Inspired by the traditions and values of our ancestors, Moyo is a celebration of, and commitment to, the beauty of Africa and the industry of her people. Enjoy this top-notch food in a stunning setting.    

• Top attractions:  The SAB Beer Museum might be exactly what visiting English, Dutch and German soccer fans are looking for. An enormously popular attraction for both visitors and South Africans, this Newtown attraction depicts the history of beer, including shebeen brews and a walk-through of SAB’s sample brewery.

Stadium: Soccer City is one of the most artistic and awe-inspiring football venues on the African continent. Styled around the traditional African calabash, it is located in Johannesburg's southwest and is only a short distance from Soweto.

Ellis Park Stadium is right in the centre of Johannesburg and has already successfully hosted the final of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup between Brazil and the United States. It seats 62 000 fans, a considerable increase since 1995 where 57 000 people witnessed South Africa beat New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup.

For the fans: The main fan park will be in Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, rewarding the magnificent upgrade to the area in recent times.

There are two other smaller fan parks:

• Elkah Stadium in the township of Rockville in Soweto hosts 40 000 fans.
• In the Northern suburbs, Innesfree Park in Katharine St is close to Alexandra Township and Sandton's CBD, hosting 20 000 fans.

Fixtures in Johannesburg:

Soccer City 

• 11 June - 16:00 Group A  South Africa - Mexico 
• 14 June - 13:30 Group E  Netherlands - Denmark 
• 17 June - 13:30 Group B  Argentina - Korea Republic 
• 20 June - 20:30 Group G  Brazil - Côte d'Ivoire 
• 23 June - 20:30 Group D  Ghana - Germany 
• 27 June - 20:30 Round of 16  1B - 2A 
• 02 July - 20:30 Quarter-finals  W49 - W50 
• 11 July - 20:30 Final  W61 - W62

  Ellis Park

• 12 June - 16:00 Group B  Argentina - Nigeria 
• 15 June - 20:30 Group G  Brazil - Korea DPR 
• 18 June - 16:00 Group C  Slovenia - USA 
• 21 June - 20:30 Group H  Spain - Honduras 
• 24 June - 16:00 Group F  Slovakia - Italy 
• 28 June - 20:30 Round of 16  1G - 2H 
• 03 July - 20:30 Quarter-finals  W55 - W56